Taiwan Opposition Kuomintang Elects China-Leaning Cheng Li-wun Leader Amid Strait Tensions

Cheng Li-wun has been elected leader of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT), the island's largest opposition party, and will assume the role on November 1, 2025. Cheng, a former lawmaker known for advocating closer ties with China, won just over 50% of the vote amid low party member turnout, defeating former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin. Her leadership comes amid heightened tensions with Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, and challenges the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by opposing further increases in Taiwan's defense budget—a key DPP policy backed by the U.S. Cheng has emphasized peace and unity, pledging to make the KMT a "creator of regional peace" and to safeguard stability across the Taiwan Strait. The election was marred by accusations of Chinese interference from supporters of Hau, although Chinese officials have stated it was an internal party matter. Despite losing three consecutive presidential elections, the KMT and its ally, the Taiwan People's Party, control a parliamentary majority, complicating DPP efforts to pass legislation.